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New York Knicks fans have a reason to smile this year. Going against most predictions, the team has been relatively successful. After losing former Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, fans had mixed feelings about the team’s future. Both the offensive and defensive rating of the team had decreased, and a rebuild was imminent.

Kristaps Porzingis is the man behind the recent success. “The Unicorn” averages twenty-four points, two blocks, and seven rebounds per game. His stats have dramatically increased this year due to Coach Hornacek giving Porzingis the ability to lead the team’s offense. Fans also attribute many wins to a more balanced approach to offense. Carmelo Anthony created isolation plays constantly, which decreased the team’s pace and ability to score from behind the arc. By losing this, the Knicks have been able to embrace a more team-oriented approach to basketball.

Management changes have contributed to the team’s general improvement this year. The offseason saw unsuccessful and unpopular Knicks GM Phil Jackson fired, and Scott Perry was hired for his past experience with rebuilding teams. Perry led the Detroit Pistons to six Eastern Conference Finals, two Eastern Conference Championships, and one NBA Championship. Perry is also notable for commanding the Supersonics to draft Kevin Durant with the second draft pick. Perry envisions a young Knicks team revolved around Kristaps Porzingis.

The transformation of the Knicks’ roster will happen as well. After seeing the ability of Kristaps to run the floor as a center, many NBA stars see the Knicks as a viable team to join. With players like LeBron James, Paul George, and Isaiah Thomas becoming free agents in 2018, there is a possibility for many stars to join the Knicks’ lineup.

The New York Knicks are becoming an Eastern Conference force. After forty games, the Knicks are way up from their record from last year. The future of this Knicks team is bright.